Dear Ex (2019): Cast, Ratings, Plot & Where to Watch
Dear Ex is a 2019 comedy drama directed by Chih-Yen Hsu and Mag Hsu, starring Li-Yin Yang as Sanlian's sister, Roy Chiu and Joseph Huang. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes. Critics gave it 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Stream it on Netflix.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 40m (100 min)
- Directors
- Chih-Yen Hsu and Mag Hsu
- Original language
-
Chinese
- Studio
- Netflix
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Dear Ex About?
The premise of Dear Ex without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
When Sanlian's ex-husband unexpectedly dies, she is shocked to discover he has altered his will, disinheriting their son and leaving his estate to a mysterious stranger. Determined to challenge this decision, Sanlian finds herself in a fierce rivalry. However, as her son develops an unexpected connection with the new arrival, she is compelled to reconsider her assumptions about family, love, and what truly matters.
Dear Ex Themes & Keywords
· 31 tags- love
- mother son relationship
- loss of loved one
- loss of father
- love triangle
- closeted homosexual
- homosexual father
- taiwanese
- taiwan
- flashback
- cancer
- deceased father
+19 more Show fewer
- deceased husband
- teenager
- gay father
- gay husband
- psychotherapy
- tiger mom
- grief
- anger
- crying
- gay
- gay character
- gay protagonist
- gay kiss
- bare chested male
- gay asian man
- gay relationship
- play
- theater
- taiwanese drama
Where to Watch Dear Ex
Stream it on Netflix. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 2
Dear Ex Cast & Characters
Li-Yin Yang leads the cast as Sanlian's sister, with Roy Chiu as Jay and Joseph Huang as Song Chengxi. Directed by Chih-Yen Hsu and Mag Hsu; 11 actors are credited in all.
- Co-director Chih-Yen Hsu
- Co-director Mag Hsu
- Li-Yin Yang as Sanlian's sister
- Roy Chiu as Jay
- Joseph Huang as Song Chengxi
-
Hsin-Ling Chung as Radio Voice
Also Starring in Dear Ex
· 7 more- Spark Chen Song Zhengyuan
- Ai-Lun Kao Jay's Mother
- Cheng-Chun Liang Stage Manager Allen
- Fang Wan Consultant
- Kaier Insurance Salesman
- Min-Fu Chou Flirting Man
- Ying-Xuan Hsieh
Dear Ex Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Dear Ex 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in rewatch factor (83) and weakest in story & flow (70).
Dear Ex Echo Score Breakdown
Dear Ex excels at portraying emotional complexity through grounded family dynamics. Critics and viewers praise its affecting performances and nuanced explorations of grief and identity, though some mention that pacing issues and occasionally abrupt flashbacks disrupt narrative flow. The film’s restrained production design and music choices effectively support the emotional tone without overwhelming the story. While structural unevenness is present, the overall impact remains powerful, making Dear Ex a resonant drama that engages meaningfully with its themes.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
In terms of art and craft, Dear Ex delivers a visually polished presentation driven by thoughtful cinematography and deliberate production design. Reviewers note striking color compositions and confident camera work that underscore the film’s emotional core. However, some critics find the editing pace uneven, with flashbacks appearing abrupt at times. Overall, the film’s art design meaningfully supports its narrative themes.
- Character & Emotion 75
In terms of character and emotion, Dear Ex is anchored by affective performances that explore complex familial bonds. Critics and audiences alike commend the lead trio for delivering believable, sympathetic portrayals of grief and conflict, though some point to a lack of depth in certain supporting roles. Despite these minor imbalances, the film’s character work remains the driving force behind its emotional resonance.
- Story & Flow 70
In terms of story and flow, Dear Ex presents a tightly woven premise that examines grief through nuanced family interactions. Many commend the film’s engaging script and relatable conflicts, though pacing occasionally slows during flashbacks and certain narrative threads feel underexplored. The blend of humor and drama sustains interest, resulting in a story that is compelling overall despite sporadic structural lulls.
- Sensory Experience 82
In terms of sensory experience, Dear Ex utilizes a restrained soundscape and deliberate musical selections to enhance its dramatic impact. Observers highlight the subtle use of the central ballad, which provides emotional punctuation without overpowering scenes. The film’s visual cohesion and tasteful production palette support an immersive atmosphere. Overall, the sensory design contributes effectively to the film’s intimate tone.
- Rewatch Factor 83
In terms of rewatch appeal, Dear Ex offers lasting emotional resonance that invites repeated viewings. Some viewers find themselves reflecting on its family dynamics and character choices long after the first watch, while others praise its balance of humor and pathos as reasons to revisit the film. Though the film’s poignant tone can feel intense, its thematic depth sustains enduring interest.
-
IMDb 7.3 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 90% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 86%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 72% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.9 /5
699 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.1 /5
See on Movie Insider
Dear Ex Plot Summary
What happens in Dear Ex from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
When San-lian’s ex-husband, Zheng-yuan, passes away, she uncovers the shocking truth that he has made changes to his insurance policy, excluding their son from the benefits and instead favoring his male partner, Jay (Roy Chiu). Filled with anger and disbelief, San-lian confronts Jay at his apartment, demanding that he return the money to them. However, Jay firmly refuses to comply, intensifying the already fraught situation.
Full summary
The whole story of Dear Ex, scene by scene
Dear Ex Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Dear Ex.
How Well Do You Know Dear Ex?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
What significant change did Zheng-yuan make to his insurance policy?
Dear Ex Also Known As
14 alternative titles, including “Shei Xian Ai Shang Ta De” and “Shei xan ai shang ta de”.
- Also known as
-
- Shei Xian Ai Shang Ta De
- Shei xan ai shang ta de
- Любий колишній
- Дорогой бывший
- 나의 EX
- Czyim mężem był mój eks?
- 谁先爱上他的
- הלך מאיתנו
- Querido Ex
- Cine l-a iubit prima dată?
- Αγαπητοί Πρώην
- 先に愛した人
+2 more Show fewer
- Ai Yêu Anh Ấy Trước?
- รักเก่า ใครมาก่อน
Seen Dear Ex?
Movies Like Dear Ex
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including My Dear Exes, Dear Tenant and My Fair Son.
Dear Ex FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Dear Ex, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Dear Ex?
Dear Ex runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).
When was Dear Ex released?
Dear Ex was released on February 1, 2019.
Who directed Dear Ex?
Dear Ex was directed by Chih-Yen Hsu and Mag Hsu.
Who is in the cast of Dear Ex?
Dear Ex stars Li-Yin Yang as Sanlian's sister, Roy Chiu as Jay and Joseph Huang as Song Chengxi, among 11 credited actors.
Where can I watch Dear Ex?
In the US, Dear Ex is streaming on Netflix (availability from JustWatch).
How is Dear Ex rated?
Dear Ex has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72% on TMDB and 3.9/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Dear Ex have a post-credit scene?
No. Dear Ex has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Dear Ex in?
The original language of Dear Ex is Chinese.
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